What’s the secret to getting more book reviews? And not just any reviews—glowing, enthusiastic, this-book-changed-my-life kind of reviews?
In a recent Written Word Media Speaker Series, we sat down with Rossana Corniel, Head of Marketing Communications at Booksprout, to dive into strategies for building reader relationships and running impactful review campaigns.
Why Reviews Matter More Than You Think
Rossana kicked things off by breaking down why book reviews are critical to an author’s success.
- ⭐ A 1-star increase on Amazon can boost sales by 5–9% (according to Harvard research).
- 📖 Readers rely on reviews to decide if your book is worth their time—books require a commitment, unlike a vacuum or a pair of shoes.
- 🔍 SEO & discoverability—reviews help surface your book in Amazon and Google searches.
- 🚀 Some promotional platforms require a minimum number of reviews to apply.
In short, reviews aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential to your book’s visibility and long-term success.
How to Get More (and Better) Reviews
Getting reviews isn’t just about asking for them—it’s about setting your book up for success. Here are three must-haves for attracting high-quality reviews.
1. Make Sure Your Book is Ready
- Bad reviews often come from avoidable issues like typos and grammar mistakes → Hire a proofreader
- Plot holes and underdeveloped characters → Use beta readers
- Formatting issues → Check your eBook and print formatting before release
👉 Pro Tip: A single typo won’t tank your book, but consistent quality issues will hurt your reputation.
2. Target the Right Readers
Ever received a review that said, “Too spicy!” or “Aliens shouldn’t fall in love with humans”? These are signs your book reached the wrong audience.
To avoid this:
- 🎯 Market your book accurately—make sure your cover, blurb, and categories match your genre.
- 📢 Be transparent—if your book contains graphic violence, sensitive topics, or cliffhangers, let readers know upfront.
- 💌 Build an email list of engaged readers who genuinely love your genre.
3. Actively Ask for Reviews
Don’t assume readers will automatically leave a review. Most won’t—unless you ask.
How to encourage reviews:
- 📚 Add a request for reviews in your book’s front and back matter.
- 💌 Mention it in your newsletter and social media.
- 🤝 Use reader engagement strategies—thank reviewers publicly and build relationships with them.
Finding and Connecting with Your Ideal Readers
So, where do you find the readers most likely to love (and review) your book? Rossana shared some go-to strategies:
- 💬 Join reader groups on Facebook, Goodreads, and Discord.
- 🔍 Use genre-specific hashtags on Instagram and TikTok.
- 📧 Build an engaged email list over time.
- 📢 Leverage book influencers—reach out to those who already love books like yours.
🔥 Pro Tip: Look at what best-selling books in your genre are doing—what keywords do they use? How do their blurbs sound? Model success.
3 Ways to Get Reviews
There are three primary ways to get reviews:
1. Organic Reviews
Readers who finish your book might leave a review, but only about 5% of them actually do.
How to increase your odds:
- Add a review request at the end of your book.
- Gently remind readers in newsletters and on social media.
- Make them feel like their review matters.
2. Targeted Review Campaigns
For more proactive review gathering, try these strategies:
- ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) teams—recruit a launch team to read and review your book before it’s live.
- Influencer outreach—send free copies to book reviewers in your genre.
- Book review platforms like Booksprout, BookSirens, and NetGalley can connect you with readers ready to leave feedback.
3. Review Services
Book review services like Booksprout help authors distribute free copies to vetted readers in exchange for an honest review.
- ✅ Automated reminders ensure readers actually leave reviews.
- ✅ Saves time by connecting you with engaged reviewers instead of chasing them down.
How to Use Reviews in Your Marketing
Once you have great reviews, use them! Here’s how:
- 🏆 Pull quotes for ads—”A gripping thriller that had me on the edge of my seat!”
- 📢 Highlight them on social media—feature a review in an Instagram story or TikTok post.
- 📖 Include them in your book description—Amazon lets you add editorial reviews in your listing.
- ⭐ Use them for PR and pitches—bloggers and media outlets love strong endorsements.
🔥 Pro Tip: Even bad reviews can work in your favor. If someone complains, “This book was too spicy,” lean into it—that’s exactly what your target audience wants!
Final Takeaways: Building a Review Strategy That Works
- 💡 Know your audience—focus on your ideal readers.
- 📖 Ensure your book is review-ready—typos and plot holes kill credibility.
- 📢 Ask for reviews—if you don’t ask, you don’t get!
- 🚀 Use ARC teams and review platforms—get proactive, not passive.
- 📈 Leverage your best reviews—they’re gold for marketing.
P.S. – Another Great Way to Get Reviews
Running a Freebooksy email promo can be another great way to get reviews! When you make your book free for a limited time and promote it to our huge community of engaged readers, you increase the chances of getting more downloads—and more downloads mean more reviews.
Ready to get your book in front of the right audience? Schedule a Freebooksy Promotion today!
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